What does Mexico win over Italy means for both teams
In the same group as South Africa, France and Uruguay, Mexico dominated Italy in a friendly game in Brussels by a score of 2-1. Previously beaten by England and the Neterlands, in previous friendlies, the Mexicans succeeded in winning their last friendly before the World Cup starts.
Italy - Mexico 1-2:
Bonucci (89th) for Italy, Vela (17th), Medina (84th) for Mexico
Mexico finished their friendly games campaign on a nice note by dominating Italy, an aging team that is still rusty and in the middle of its World Cup preparation. Mexico has already played England, Gambia and the Netherlands whereas Italy was playing its first game since a 0-0 draw against Cameroon back in March 2010. These different preparations were felt on the field as we saw two teams in different stages of their respective preparations.
The Azzurri quickly attacked and almost opened the score on a corner very early in the game but Iaquinta's header hit the cross bar at the 3rd minute. But the Italian ''domination'' was short lived. The Mexicans were playing in a 4-3-3 formation and their ball control made the Italian defense sweat with a quick passing game. Unusually absent, the Italian defense left Vela all alone as the Mexican striker received a nice ball from Giovani and scored the game's first goal at the 17th minute. Marcello Lippi's men were uninspired and suffered the Mexican domination for the whole first half.At the half, Di Natale was replaced by Pepe but that change did not bring any inspiration to a poor Italian game.
Marcello Lippi, Italy's manager said, '' Against a very active Mexican team, we were always late getting to the ball. For our first friendly game, there wouldn't have been a worst opponent than this excellent Mexico. The players are in excellent physical shape. On our side, physical condition is different from one player to another. Some of them were on vacation, others weren't. We were also coming back from a strenuous altitude camp. It is why I accept this defeat with no difficulties. But we will be ready for the World Cup. We will grow stronger and reach our peak form when it counts. I hope and I am convinced that we will better against Switzerland. Our World Cup begins in 10 days. It will give us time to improve.''
On the other hand, Medina, who replaced Giovani, scored the second goal of the game at the 84th minute game with a pass from veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Let just say that the Mexicans were extremely efficient. The Italians reacted late in the game with a goal from Bonucci from a corner kick at the 89th minute. Italy's best chances came from dead ball situations specially free kicks delivered by Andrea Pirlo. Gilardino barely touched any balls and Marchicisio disappointed as he played the role of a play maker. Mexico is confident before the World Cup and Italy seems shaky with 11 days left before the World Cup starts.
'' We had a good game but should have scored more goals. It is my only regret," said Javier Aguirre, Mexico's manager. "We need a lot of opportunities to be able to score. It is a bit worrisome. We have a good basis in our game but our realism is not there: we know what needs to be improved. Beating Italy is a satisfaction. It is always difficult to beat a high-level team and we did it our way. We were faster than the Italians that seemed tired. My players are united and available to each other. My team is composed of personalities and has a personality.That said, it is a win that gives us a moral boost but it was only a friendly game''
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